Latest News
New edition of Birth to 5 Matters launched
The Early Years Coalition has launched the updated and expanded second edition of Birth to 5 Matters (Bto5M), non-statutory guidance
New study of early years qualifications will create a shared benchmark
A new study The Value of Early Years Qualifications: Quality, Skills & Progression will explore the core knowledge and skills
Consultation on early years funding in England focuses on SEND and disadvantage
The Department for Education (DfE) have today launched a consultation on proposed changes to the early years funding system. It
Funding announced for early years free school meals from September 2026
We welcome the announcement from the Department for Education confirming details of the grant being made available to local authorities
New EY Stronger Practice Hubs, Early Education partnerships and bonuses for some EY teachers announced
We welcome the most recent steps in delivery of the government’s Best Start in Life strategy, focused on helping to
Half of England’s maintained nursery schools unable to balance budgets as funding review looms
A recent survey reveals that many of England’s 376 maintained nursery schools face severe financial struggles. By 2025-26, 35% expect
Opinion

Play is not an optional extra in KS1 – it is a matter of educational integrity
By Ruth Lue-Quee I did not set out to become a campaigner. As a former deputy headteacher, educational consultant and mum, I have long understood

Subjects of rights, not objects of concern: reclaiming agency in the SEND reforms
by Jacqui Lewis The Department for Education’s recent white paper, Every Child Achieving and Thriving, alongside the consultation Putting Children and Young People First, articulates

DfE White Paper 2026 – Every Child Achieving and Thriving: an Early Years SEND perspective
by Dominic Gunn While there is much detail still to come on the Government’s plans for education, and plenty of focus already on concerns regarding

Introducing the Early Years Library: professional learning using evidence-informed resources
by Dr Julia Birchenough, Dr Soizic Le Courtois and Prof Sara Baker Researchers at PEDAL are aligned with Early Education’s mission: we believe in supporting

Nurturing nature in the Early Years: why your setting should join the National Education Nature Park
By Ali Aspin, Early Years Training and Development Lead at Learning through Landscapes For young children, the outdoors is more than just a place to
jobs board
Comet Nursery School & Children’s Centre – Hackney – 2x Early Years Educator
Job role Visa sponsorship Visas cannot be sponsored Working pattern Full time: Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week, all year round. Contract type Permanent
Comet Nursery School & Children’s Centre – Hackney – Lead Early Years Educator
Job role Visa sponsorship Visas cannot be sponsored Working pattern Full time: Monday to Friday, 36 hours per week, all year round. Contract type Permanent
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We have a rolling programme of recruitment to meet the demand for training and professional support that we are commissioned to deliver across the UK